VASCO
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho said funds to ZPs have been increased along with their scope of works so that works could be taken up at all levels in the villages.
Godinho was talking to reporters in the presence of Sancoale ZP Anita Thorat during the launch of works to develop two open spaces in Matvem Dabolim through ZP funds.
"We have increased ZP funds up to Rs 50 lakh per block and we will also try to increase their budget further. We have also increased the subject and scope of ZPs.”
“ZP works come close to the works undertaken by MLAs, but whether these works are by MLA or ZP, these works must finally be taken up in a balanced approach," said Godinho.
Godinho said the project to develop two open spaces were taken up at Rs 22.5 lakh.
"We are developing and beautifying all open spaces available to provide people with facilities. These works were earlier taken either through panchayats or government, but now are being taken up at the ZP level,” said Godinho.
Sancoale ZP and South Goa Mahila Shakti Abhiyaan President Anita Thorat thanked the minister for providing ZPs with more funds and powers to take up works.
“I have utilised my entire fund allocated to take up works and also used the entire purchase funds of Rs 10 lakh to procure necessary equipment for the Chicalim and Sancoale panchayats.”
“We have also given chairs and music systems to religious places and will also give water purifiers soon. Developing open spaces under ZP funds is happening for the first time under ZP funds," said Thorat.
Panchayats given equipment to tackle situations: Godinho
VASCO:
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho said equipment like grass cutters, fogging machines, tree cutters, water pumps and chainsaws are being given to panchayats in the State to tackle situations such as cyclones.
“We have seen how during cyclone Tauktae, authorities did not have sufficient equipment and people had to arrange them privately and it took a long time to get things cleared.”
“I then decided that we will equip panchayats with all necessary equipment. The government would either give panchayats this equipment or panchayats would be given powers to purchase the equipment," said Godinho.
